Comic Book Reviews for May 11, 2016

Say goodbye to Batman and Action Comics.

DC came another step closer to bidding farewell to the New 52 this week, as they delivered the final issues of Batman, Action Comics and Gotham Academy and also wrapped up the Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover. Meanwhile, Marvel introduced the new Wasp to the pages of All-New, All-Different Avengers, kicked off a key new Darth Vader storyline and wrapped up the Deadpool's feud with Sabretooth in Deadpool #11. Elsewhere, Boom delivered a new issue of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Southern Bastards capped off its third story arc and the 4001 AD crossover continued at Valiant.

Scroll down to check out our reviews for these and various other new releases, and let us know your favorite books of the week in the comments below.

DC COMICS

Action Comics #52

Written by Pete Tomasi | Drawn by Dale Eaglesham & Scott Eaton

"DC's 'Final Days of Superman' crossover is now six chapters in, and the verdict is still pretty much the same. This arc features some of the strongest Superman characterization we've seen from the New 52. Ironically, it took dying for this Clark Kent to finally and consistently start reading like the hero he should be. But where the characterization has been strong, the plot has proved lacking. Too many issues have felt aimless and plodding, as if setting up the various DC Rebirth titles is more important than actually exploring the significance of Superman's impending death. There's little sign this approach will change before the end." -Jesse

6.4

Batman #52

Written by James Tynion IV | Drawn by Riley Rossmo

"Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo wrapped up their Batman run in a very satisfying way last month. Strictly speaking, there's no real need for a separate series finale from a different creative team, other than the fact that going a month without printing an issue of Batman is a financially boneheaded move. Batman #52 doesn't read like a particularly essential end-cap to the series, but nor is it merely a quick, pointless cash-in." -Jesse

8.3

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #6

Written by James Tynion IV | Drawn by Freddie E. Williams II

Never let it be said that this creative team failed to take advantage of the possibilities offered by merging the Batman and TMNT universes. When the final issue of the crossover opens with Batman battling a mutated elephant version of Bane, you know they're doing something right. This issue has plenty of epic, goofy fun to offer readers, as well as a steady stream of action on a bigger scale than any issue before it. It's a little disappointing that the long-awaited showdown between Batman and Shredder unfolds with the former wearing a weaponized battle suit (seems rather unsporting), but otherwise the final battle delivers the goods and makes the most of Freddie Williams' bombastic figure work. And most importantly, this issue wraps offers a heartwarming final word on the bond between Batman and the Turtles. As silly as this entire concept might be, Tynion and Williams offer a very touching look at a loner hero who found a new family with the heroes in a half shell. -Jesse

Final Score:

8.6

Constantine: The Hellblazer #12

Written by Ming Doyle & James Tynion IV | Drawn by Eryk Donovan

This series is just one more victim of the game of artistic musical chairs that's been going on at DC leading into Rebirth. Constantine: The Hellblazer has largely succeeded in marrying the gritty tone of the classic Hellblazer comic with the New 52 take on John Constantine, and much of that balance was due to the surreal art style and impeccably rendered page layouts of artists like Riley Rossmo. But as the series reaches its climax, it's sadly lost a great deal of that distinctive visual flavor. Eryk Donovan's layouts are straightforward to a fault, and his figures generally lacking that necessary spark of life. Only Kelly Fitzpatrick's colors still retain a whiff of the surreal and otherworldly. As for the script, the series has come full-circle in a satisfying way, with Constantine's various misdeeds and shortcuts coming back to haunt him and innocent lives hanging in the balance. It's a predicament the character has been in many times before, but it never gets old seeing this trickster with his back to the wall and trying to con his way to victory. -Jesse

Final Score:

6.7

Gotham Academy #18

Written by Various | Drawn by Various

Gotham Academy’s “Yearbook” storyline comes to an end in this issue (which also is the end of this book, before it gets relaunched later this year) and while this may be the weakest issue of the storyline, it’s still a fun time. More than anything, this arc has proven the adaptability of this series, its characters, and its setting as the book has been turned on its head in this anthology format. There’s nothing considerably wrong about the stories this time around, they just don’t hit quite the comedic highs or dramatic tenderness that other installments in the story have. As with all chapters of this arc, the art is diverse and gorgeous, but it’s Natasha Alterici whose “Talent Show” steals the book with its muted color palette. They didn’t necessarily save the best for last, but Gotham Academy’s “Yearbook” still proved to be a blast to read. –Levi

Final Score:

7.2

Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #5

"One can't necessarily blame DC for putting all of its creative muscle behind the upcoming DC Rebirth relaunch, even if it comes at the expense of many current projects. That said, it's been frustrating to watch so many of these books scramble to replace artists that have moved onto other projects. Nowhere has this shift been more disappointing than with Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion. This mini-series still ranks as the best Lantern comic since the end of Geoff Johns' long run, but losing artist Ethan Van Sciver midway through the series was a significant blow." -Jesse

7.5

Harley Quinn and Her Gang of Harleys #2

Written by Frank Tieri & Jimmy Palmiotti | Drawn by Mauricet

There appears to be a limit to how many Harley Quinns one comic can properly handle. This series was already struggling to balance the Gang of Harleys, most of whom are significantly less compelling protagonists than Harley herself. Once you factor in Harley Sinn and her own team of evil Harley-inspired assassins, the gag starts to wear out its welcome. To be fair, this issue is somewhat more successful than the first in terms of fleshing out the Gang Of Harleys and giving each character a unique personality. The relative lack of page time for Harley Quinn helps in that regard. So does Mauricet's art, which gives each main character a distinctive look and personality above and beyond the color-coded costumes. On the down side, this issue is surprisingly lacking in tension given the fact that the Gang of Harleys members are busy trying to remove their parents from harm's way. There's rarely a sense of danger towards either the Harleys or their loved ones. Then there's the matter of the creepy sexual undertones to Harley's captivity. Her captors aren't quite as playful and innocent as the cover would suggest. -Jesse